Our largest group of New Missionaries ever!

Parents and families,

Thank you for preparing and sending these amazing missionaries. We are so impressed with everyone of them. Just look in their faces. They are full of light. They are filled with joy to be here and finally starting their mission in Jacksonville. Yes, they are nervous and a little anxious but that is normal. You will see great things from these missionaries in the coming months. This transfer equals the largest one we have ever had. We almost can't get them in the picture spot anymore! That's a great problem to have.

Back:  Elder Cordon, Elder Parker, Elder Bingham, Elder Roberts;
Elders Standing:  Elder Karren, Elder Williams, Elder Tubbs, Elder Collett, Elder Moose, Elder Franchina, Elder Searle
Sisters Standing:  Sister Phelon, Sister Parke, Sister Smedley, Sister Davidson, Sister Trout, Sister Joseph, Sister Atkinson,
Seated:  Sister Hutchins, Sister McElroy, Sister Shumway, Sister Martinez, Sister Conley, Sister Jensen, Sister Beacham

Picking up the new missionaries at the airport.

It wasn't till they arrived that we realized two missionaries were missing.  In Atlanta, two missionaries decided to get something to eat and ended up missing the flight.  They were put on the next flight to Jacksonville and were picked up an hour and a half later.  We were sure relieved to get them here safe and sound.   

It is always a feeding frenzy with arriving missionaries. They are so hungry after a day of traveling with very little food. They have been up since 2 in the morning and only had a couple hours of sleep. They are nervous, anxious and excited. I have always wanted them to feel loved and at home in the mission home. I try to mother them a little so they will calm down.

I decided early on in the mission that I would cook them a "Sunday meal".  So with 25 new missionaries and office staff that come and help we fed 33 people that night.  The food was inhaled! They eat and eat and go back for 2nd and 3rds. There is very little left overs. They are so happy by the time the meal is over. 

Eating on the Patio

Eating at the Dining Room table